Federal Judges Order Trump Administration To Release SNAP Emergency Funds

Two federal judges on Friday ordered the Trump administration to use emergency contingency funds to help cover food stamp (SNAP) benefits for November, amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The rulings came from U.S. District Judges John McConnell (Rhode Island) and Indira Talwani (Massachusetts), who rejected the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s claim that it could not access the $5.3 billion contingency fund.

BREAKING: A federal judge in Boston has ruled that the Trump administration's attempt to suspend SNAP funding is "unlawful," but declined to immediately order that the program be funded. https://t.co/11TQUKduLn pic.twitter.com/0WtBqsS5T0

— ABC News (@ABC) October 31, 2025

Judge McConnell said the funds were “appropriated and necessary” to keep SNAP operating despite the shutdown. Judge Talwani ruled that USDA can also transfer additional funds to avoid benefit reductions.

While the court orders ensure at least partial coverage, officials warn that millions of Americans could face delays as states work to restart payments.

Trump Can’t Stop SNAP Benefits Amid Shutdown, Judge Ruleshttps://t.co/zadoP4oK4s pic.twitter.com/jNYgRdLE3K

— Forbes (@Forbes) October 31, 2025

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which serves over 40 million low-income Americans, had been at risk of disruption due to the shutdown, now in its fifth week.

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